IT looked like Christmas had arrived early as fundraisers launched a festive campaign.

Hundreds of Santas are set to run the streets of Ipswich to boost the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) Treehouse appeal.

Organisers are urging people to put on their running shoes to help bring festive cheer to life-threatened children and their families across the region.

The Ipswich Santa Run, on Sunday, December 12, is being launched today and is in aid of the EACH Treehouse Appeal, which aims to raise �3million for a purpose-built new complex in Ipswich.

The festive fun event is set to include a new route – starting and finishing at DanceEast’s Jerwood DanceHouse on the Waterfront.

The route is about 3km and is pushchair and wheelchair friendly.More than 250 people took part in last year’s event, raising more than �12,000 for the charity.

Organisers now hope that many more will register to help raise money for the appeal.

Karen Chesney, EACH events fundraiser, said: “We need to raise �3m to build the new children’s hospice in Ipswich, and we hope the Suffolk Santa Runs go some way to helping us reach that goal.”

The Ipswich Santa Run, which is sponsored by Nicholas Estates Sales and Lettings and supported by the East Anglian Daily Times and BBC Radio Suffolk, will take place at 11am on December 12.

Entry for adults costs �10, including a Santa suit. Children under the age of 13 can enter for �5 including a Santa hat.

For more information visit www.each.org.uk or call 01223 205180.